The wage gap
with Australia is now so large that Kiwis across the ditch
earn a New Zealander’s weekly pay in just four days, says
Labour’s Finance spokesperson David Parker

“The median
weekly wage gap with Australia has ballooned by $60 to $180
per week under John Key’s leadership, despite National’s
promise to close the gap.

“In Australia the median wage
is $1067, in New Zealand it’s $887, according to the
latest statistics[1]. To make up the difference Kiwis need
to work another full day and another hour on top of that.
It’s no surprise 182,000 Kiwis have left under National.

“Kiwis who left for Australia only need to work a four
day week to get what they were earning here. What a luxury.
Of course they are leaving in droves, with a record 54,000
buying a one-way ticket last year.

“John Key told all
New Zealanders that a fundamental purpose of his Government
would be, ‘to narrow the wage gap between ourselves and
Australia, and to grow local wages in New
Zealand.’

“National made a promise it can’t fulfil,
it’s time they admitted they broke their word to New
Zealanders.

“National’s policies aren’t working.
There is a better way, a Labour way. Kiwis want a hands-on
government that is willing to roll up its sleeves. Labour
has a vision of a high-tech, high-growth and high-wage New
Zealand. We will take the steps necessary to make that
happen,” said David Parker.

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